Could dancing the tango treat Parkinson's?

Dancing the tango could have significant health benefits for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a new study suggests.

This is according to research carried out by doctors at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, The Neuro at McGill University and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, who monitored the health and wellbeing of 40 Parkinson's patients over a 12-week period.

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Participants were required to take part in a three-month-long tango dancing course, experiencing both physical and mental health benefits after doing so.

The patients experienced a wide range of symptoms related to Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity of the limbs, depression, fatigue and cognitive decline.

Yet regular Argentine tango lessons significantly lessened these symptoms, making this the first study to prove that this dance can be beneficial for mental health by combating degeneration of the brain.

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The dance involves repeated rhythmic steps that can improve the walking problems experienced by Parkinson's patients, while the tango also requires individuals to use their brains to remember steps, helping to keep their mind active.

What's more, previous research has shown that music triggers the release of certain chemicals in the brain that are essential for maintaining both physical and mental behaviour, further providing evidence of how dance in general, not just the Argentine tango, could have significant benefits for people diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Lead author of the study Dr Silvia Rios Romenets commented: 'In the study, we found the tango was helpful in significantly improving balance and functional therapy. We also found modest benefits in terms of patients' cognitive functions and in reducing fatigue. No significant changes were detected in overall motor functions.'

The doctors concluded that the combination of music, exercise, dance and learning a new skill could be extremely beneficial as part of treatment programmes for Parkinson's disease, along with the social interaction involved in the activity. Therefore, any dance that comprises rhythmic movements could have similar benefits for Parkinson's patients.

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